Cincinnati Subway: Inside the Untapped Potential Beneath the City
Danny Baron
Cincinnati Subway: Inside the Untapped Potential Beneath the City
Beneath the bustling streets of Cincinnati lies a two-mile stretch of forgotten ambition—a defunct subway system that never carried a single passenger. While many residents know it exists, few realize just how close this underground world came to reshaping the city. Now, nearly a century after its abandonment, the Cincinnati Subway is back in the spotlight. And this time, it's not about transit. It's about transformation.
A Brief History: Dreams Derailed
In the early 20th century, Cincinnati had a vision: replace the aging Miami and Erie Canal with a 16-mile rapid transit system connecting downtown to the suburbs. Construction began in 1920 with major promise. But by 1927, inflation, budget overruns, and political in-fighting brought the project to a halt. Only 11 miles of the system were completed—and none of it ever opened.
Cars took over. The Great Depression deepened. The dream was buried beneath concrete, quite literally.
Today, 2.2 miles of this historic infrastructure remain underneath Central Parkway. The city still owns the tunnels and spends taxpayer money maintaining them each year. So, what to do with these cavernous voids? In 2023, Cincinnati issued a Request for Information (RFI), asking designers, architects, and visionaries to pitch their boldest, wildest ideas.
And the ideas? Nothing short of extraordinary.
1. The Underground Bathhouse
Proposed by: Platt Architecture & Design
Imagine the quiet serenity of a spa tucked beneath the city's surface. Roman bathhouse meets luxury wellness center. Pools, saunas, private massage rooms, and meditation lounges. Designed to emulate Istanbul's famed Basilica Cistern, this concept would turn the Cincinnati Subway into an urban oasis.
Even better? A chic underground café for that post-soak latte.
Pros:
Unique and luxurious
High potential for tourism
Inspired use of ambiance and lighting
Cons:
Extremely costly
Complicated humidity and ventilation challenges
Bottom line: A spa beneath the city? Sign us up—if the logistics and budget can align.
2. Return of the Canal
Proposed by: KZF Design
A homage to history. This idea envisions resurrecting the Miami and Erie Canal within the subway tunnels. Think boardwalks, kayak routes, lock systems, and even a marina. Green spaces, urban art, and public paths would flank the waterways.
It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s incredibly ambitious.
Pros:
Deep historical tie-in
Visually captivating
Offers both recreation and relaxation
Cons:
Major structural overhaul required
Massive cost to connect to Ohio River
Bottom line: A dreamy return to our aquatic roots, but likely a fantasy unless funding flows.
3. The Rhineline: Underground Entertainment Districts
Proposed by: Yard & Company
Picture this: multiple themed zones below ground—each with its own vibe. An underground beer garden. A live performance space below Music Hall. A food and art market below Findlay Market. Skylights would puncture the tunnels, pouring natural light into what hasn’t seen the sun in a century.
Pros:
Realistic and modular
Energizes local culture
Connects key urban destinations
Cons:
Still requires infrastructure upgrades
Noise, access, and crowd management could be tricky
Bottom line: Possibly the most executable concept—fun, flexible, and distinctly Cincinnati.
4. Speakeasy & Event Venue
Proposed by: Merriman Anderson Architects
For those craving glamour underground, this concept transforms the subway into a velvet-draped speakeasy and elite event space. Imagine weddings, galas, and private concerts with original rail lines under glass floors. An upscale cocktail lounge would add shimmer to Cincinnati nightlife.
Pros:
Instagram-worthy atmosphere
Revenue-generating events
High-end appeal
Cons:
Accessibility concerns
Potential exclusivity over community use
Bottom line: Stunning in theory, but will it serve all Cincinnatians or just the elite?
5. Art Walk and Culture Corridor
Proposed by: GBBN Architects
Cincinnati is rich in art. Why not use the subway to celebrate it?
This concept turns the tunnels into an underground gallery, hosting light installations, performance spaces, and pop-up exhibitions. Local orgs like ArtWorks and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company would curate rotating content.
Pros:
Amplifies local creatives
Family-friendly and accessible
Budget-conscious compared to other ideas
Cons:
Lower revenue potential
Might need frequent updates to maintain appeal
Bottom line: Inclusive, inspiring, and authentic to Cincinnati’s cultural DNA.
6. Recreation & Resilience
Proposed by: Hub & Weber Architects
Kayaking canals. Bike paths. Flood prevention systems. This design combines active lifestyle with infrastructure improvement. Not only would it offer fun ways to explore the tunnels, but it would also protect neighborhoods from stormwater runoff.
Pros:
Blends utility with recreation
Encourages healthy urban living
Addresses flooding concerns
Cons:
Requires enormous retrofitting
Water systems add layers of engineering complexity
Bottom line: Smart, sustainable, and forward-thinking—but a heavy lift.
Community Pulse: What the Public Wants
When Cincinnatians voted on their favorite proposals, two ideas rose to the top:
Finishing the subway system as originally intended
Bringing back the canal
It turns out, there's deep nostalgia for the subway’s original purpose. Many residents still hope it can become the transit network it was meant to be.
But is that dream practical in today's car-centric and budget-constrained world? That remains to be seen.
A Realtor's Vision: Underground Sports Paradise
Danny Baron, local realtor and host of this exploration, couldn’t help but imagine something truly unique:
A subterranean sports bar
Indoor pickleball courts
Golf simulators
And yes—a landmark Chick-Fil-A or Skyline Chili
Why not combine entertainment, food, and recreation into one sprawling underground complex? It would offer year-round fun and serve as a new destination for locals and tourists alike.
What's Next for Cincinnati's Subway?
While no final decisions have been made, the excitement around reimagining these tunnels is building. From dreamy spas to immersive art corridors, these proposals reveal how Cincinnati is ready to innovate boldly.
City officials now face a big decision: which concept is feasible, fundable, and future-forward? Public input will play a crucial role in shaping what lies ahead beneath our feet.
Final Thoughts
The Cincinnati Subway isn’t just an abandoned project. It’s a symbol of what could be. A blank slate for imagination. A legacy waiting to be rewritten.
As residents, dreamers, and designers submit their ideas, one thing is clear: Cincinnati's forgotten tunnels may finally get the second chance they deserve.
What would YOU do with the Cincinnati Subway? Drop your ideas in the comments. The city is listening.
Want To Read More?
Other Entries
Discover Cincinnati's most iconic bridges from Roebling to Brent Spence. Complete guide to spans shaping the Queen City's connectivity and charm.
Discover Pleasant Ridge, Cincinnati's vibrant walkable neighborhood. Explore dining, housing market, amenities & community life in this diverse area.
Tour the exquisite 8060 Trotters Trail Ct estate—6,500+ sqft, 2 acres, pool, theater, and premium finishes.
Discover the full Cincinnati home building process from selecting a builder to move-in day. Build confidently with expert insight and insider tips.
Discover the proven 7-step home buying process that eliminates stress and secures your perfect home. Expert guidance from pre-approval to closing day.
Discover The Baron Group's revolutionary Cincinnati real estate process. Get top dollar for your home with proven strategies, expert marketing, and stress-free selling.
Discover why Cincinnati's real estate market remains stable amid national volatility. Expert insights on pricing, inventory, and opportunities for 2025
Discover Northside Cincinnati through our comprehensive neighborhood tour. Explore dining, housing, culture & amenities in this vibrant walkable community.
Explore Cincinnati's best-preserved Victorian architecture in East Walnut Hills. Tour this historic home featuring original mahogany details, turret rooms, and John Ruthven heritage.
Discover Drees Homes, Cincinnati's premier home builder since 1928. Explore their 200+ floor plans, custom builds, and family-owned construction excellence.
Join the excitement of the Baron Group Reds Game—an unforgettable night of baseball, bonding, and community spirit in Cincinnati.
Explore Loveland, Ohio—a top Cincinnati suburb known for its scenic trails, vibrant downtown, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Discover 11 beloved Cincinnati coffee spots locals love. From espresso artistry to community vibes, here's your ultimate Cincinnati coffee guide.
Explore why The Baron Group is Greater Cincinnati's #1 real estate team. Redefining how homes are bought and sold.
Discover essential tips and insights for any first-time homebuyer. Learn how to budget, negotiate, and close with confidence.
Discover the thriving Cincinnati running scene. Explore run clubs, top races, and expert gear tips for a next-level running experience in the Queen City.
Explore the top 2025 home design trends, from earthy color palettes to curved furniture, biophilic design, maximalism, and more. Discover how to apply them.
Discover the story of Two Cities Pizza in Cincinnati. A unique restaurant blending New York and Chicago styles, community love, and award-winning pizza.
Discover the forgotten Cincinnati Subway and explore bold new ideas to repurpose the tunnels. Could this be the city's next big transformation?
Explore the best Cincinnati pizza spots! From crispy Detroit-style to cheesy deep dish, these top 5 pizzerias serve up unforgettable slices.
Meet Cincinnati home builder Justin Doyle Homes. Discover their custom process, quality focus, and why they lead in Cincinnati home building.
Explore the must-see Cincinnati events in 2025, from food fests to fireworks. Your ultimate guide to the Queen City's best celebrations.
Discover expert-backed tips for winterizing your home. Avoid costly mistakes and stay cozy with this complete guide to winterizing your home this season.
Discover the inspiring story of City Gospel Mission, a leading Cincinnati non-profit transforming lives through housing, recovery, youth programs, and more.
Discover the six standout Cincinnati restaurants named in OpenTable's Top 100 for 2024. Explore where to dine in style in the Queen City.
Discover a step-by-step guide to a smooth and stress-free home renovation. Learn how to plan, budget, and execute your next home renovation with confidence.
Discover five transformative Cincinnati developments elevating the Queen City's skyline, economy, and neighborhoods.
Discover expert painting tips to enhance your home's value and aesthetic. Learn how to paint smart with these professional Cincinnati painting insights.
Explore Mt. Lookout, Cincinnati's #1 neighborhood to buy a home. From food to parks and real estate, discover what makes Mt. Lookout the gem of Queen City living.
Discover the best Cincinnati date night ideas for every budget. From rooftop views to jazz in the park, these top 10 experiences will elevate your next romantic outing.
Discover the best Cincinnati date night ideas for every budget. From rooftop views to jazz in the park, these top 10 experiences will elevate your next romantic outing.
Discover the best Cincinnati hiking trails within the I-275 loop for every skill level—from wooded paths to river views. Your go-to guide for local outdoor adventures.
Discover Clifton, a dynamic Cincinnati neighborhood rich in history, culture, and amenities. Explore housing, dining, entertainment, and more in Clifton!
Explore the top Cincinnati careers across tech, healthcare, finance, education, and more. Discover top companies hiring and where your future could thrive in the Queen City.
The NAR settlement has changed how real estate works nationwide. Learn how buyer and seller rules have shifted and what the changes mean for your next transaction.
Explore the architectural evolution of Cincinnati home styles, from Federal and Queen Anne to Mid-Century Modern and Contemporary.
Discover the architectural brilliance of The Westcott House in Ohio, Frank Lloyd Wright's only Prairie-style home in the state.
Discover 10 surprising insights about living in Cincinnati—from neighborhood vibes to chili debates and scenic parks.
Explore Fort Thomas, Kentucky's #1 place to live in 2024. Learn about its lifestyle, real estate, parks, and strong sense of community.
Learn everything you need to know about the pre-approval process. From credit checks to documentation, here's your guide to navigating home buying.
Explore the vibrant lifestyle, historic homes, and walkable charm of East Walnut Hills. Learn why it's the top choice for living in Cincinnati.
Avoid common homebuyer mistakes with this comprehensive guide. Learn how to navigate the pre-approval process, inspections, budgeting, and more.
Discover how a home warranty works, what it covers, and why it's a smart investment for buyers and sellers. Learn the truth about home warranties.
Discover why Mason, Ohio is a top-rated suburb with elite schools, endless amenities, and a vibrant, family-friendly lifestyle.
The Baron Group Reds Game 2024 brought 3,000 guests together for a thrilling night of baseball and community. Relive the magic in Mason, Ohio.
Discover what makes living in Cincinnati so special. From sports to food, art, and history, here's how to thrive in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Discover five must-see Cincinnati hidden gems. From local eats to real estate trends, uncover the neighborhoods that deserve your attention.
Discover why Northern Kentucky is a hidden gem—offering big-city perks, small-town feel, top-notch schools, and low cost of living.
Unlock the secrets to home staging that sells—declutter, refresh, and style your way to top-dollar offers.
Discover why Silverton is the next hot Cincinnati neighborhood. Learn about real estate, growth, and unique local charm.
Explore Oakley, a vibrant Cincinnati neighborhood with rich amenities, unique homes, and unbeatable location. See why it's in high demand.
Found your dream home on Zillow? Here's how to move fast and smart in today's hot market to secure it.
Learn how to successfully buy and sell a home at the same time. Explore financing options, timing strategies, and expert insights to win in a hot real estate market.
Explore how to navigate the 2024 Cincinnati housing market. Essential tips for buyers and sellers in one of America's hottest real estate markets.
The Baron Group Newsletter
Stay Up To Date With New Media From The Baron Group
Make your move
Contact Baron Group
Baron Group
513-600-4117
